Meet The Team
Rebecca Hughes
Executive Director
Rebecca Hughes serves as the Executive Director of ICARE Union County, where she leads community-wide efforts to prevent substance use and promote healthy, resilient lifestyles. With a strong background in community development, community education and leadership, Rebecca brings more than 12 years of experience in guiding community strategies, fostering partnerships, and empowering youth and families.
In her role, Rebecca oversees the coalition’s strategic vision, program development, and community outreach initiatives. She works closely with schools, healthcare providers, law enforcement, faith leaders, and local organizations to build a unified response to substance use challenges.
Passionate about grassroots collaboration, Rebecca is committed to ensuring that prevention is rooted in community voices and evidence-based practices. She is dedicated to maintaining ICARE Union County as a trusted resource for education, advocacy, and support.
Before joining the coalition, Rebecca worked with UT Extension in Union County, where she managed community health programs and worked in school-based prevention. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Family, Youth and Community Sciences from The University of Florida and a Master of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences from The University of Tennessee, and she is a member of Leadership Union County.
Outside of her professional work, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her husband and four kids, they have two miniature dachshunds that keep them fully entertained and a roping horse that keeps them busy most weekends. She loves to be outside with family but enjoys a good book and even a challenging puzzle from time to time. Reflecting her belief in leading by example and living a healthy, balanced life. Rebecca is blessed to have God’s provisions of family, friends, health and guidance through life’s journey.
​
Rebecca can be reached at
Samantha Brantley-Smith
Program Coordinator
​Samantha Brantley-Smith is a lifelong resident of Union County. She is the proud mother and grandmother of some amazing kids. Samantha has a self-described "insane love for houseplants, gardening, family, and my dogs."
As a person in long-term recovery, her passion is to help prevent substance misuse in our community. Her mission is to be a safe person for those struggling with addiction, helping them find resources and heal their minds and bodies.
​
Samantha is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and Recovery Coach. She is certified to faciliate TNRAS risk needs assessments, and she is a notary public. Samantha is also working towards her Prevention Specialist Certification.
Samantha can be reached at samantha.brantley@unioncountytn.gov
Carrie Cate
Administrative Assistant
Justin Collins
Program Services Specialist
Carrie's roots are in Union County, and she is happy for the opportunity to serve. She works mainly behind the scenes in a support role at ICARE. She has a Master's degree in Counseling from Carson-Newman University and a Bachelor's degree in Animal Science from the University of Tennessee. She also works in a supervisory role for a global social services agency, and she worked many years in the veterinary field.
Carrie loves spending time with her husband and two children and the family's two dogs and two cats. She especially enjoys travel, being outdoors, drag racing, and anything animal-related.
Carrie truly believes in the power of relationships and human connection to change individual lives, thus changing entire communities over time.
​
Carrie can be reached at communications@icareunioncounty.com
Justin is honored to be part of the ICARE team, where the mission of preventing substance misuse drives every effort.
A lifelong resident of Union County, Justin has witnessed both the challenges of substance abuse and the hope that comes through recovery. Since achieving sobriety in February 2023, he has dedicated himself to supporting others on their journey to wellness. With the guidance of mentors like his supervisor Samantha, Justin found his calling in helping individuals overcome obstacles and build healthier futures.
He is now a Certified Recovery Coach (CRC) and brings both lived experience and passion to his role in prevention and recovery support.
Outside of work, Justin enjoys winding down with his favorite shows—usually Law & Order: SVU or a good Netflix series. Known for his mix of hope, humor, and realism, he believes that together, we can create a brighter, healthier Union County.
​
Justin can be reached at programassistant@icareunioncounty.com